Student Handbook

Template- School Insert Cover Page

GREENVILLE COUNTY SCHOOLS HS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Attendance 2-3

2. Behavior Code 3-6

3. Dress Code 6

4. Transportation 7-8

5. Safe Schools/Anti-Bullying 8-9

6. Title IX 9

7. Homework Policy 9-10

8. Uniform Grading Policy 10

9. Seat Time Recovery 10-11

10. Family Educational Rights and 11

Privacy Act

11. Directory Information 12

12. Student Speakers 12

13. School Insurance 12

14. Parent’s Right to Know 13

15. Student Use of Technology 13

16. Board Policies and Administrative Rules 14

17. Academic Information 14

18. Campus Safety 18

19. Career Centers and Fine Arts Center 19

20. Class Dues 19

21. Counseling Department 19

22. Disciplinary Rubric 19

23. Due Process 25

24. Early Dismissals 27

23. Hall Passes 28

24. Health Room 28

25. ID Badge Policy 30

26. Late Work Policy 31

26. Makeup Work 32

27. Meal Program 32

28. Media Center 32

29. PED Policy 35

30. School Closing 36

31. Student Activities 36

32. Student Parking 38

33. Tardiness 39

34. Textbooks 40

35. Alma Mater 40

36. Handbook Responsibility and Disclaimer 40

Attendance

In South Carolina, all children are required to attend a public or private school or kindergarten beginning at age five (5)

and continuing until their 17

birthday. If a child is not six years of age on or before the first day of September in a

particular school year, parents and guardians may choose not to send their children to kindergarten; however, they must

sign a waiver which may be obtained at the local school.

In accordance with the South Carolina Compulsory School Attendance law, the School District of Greenville County has

adopted uniform rules to ensure that students attend school regularly. Each day that students are not in school, they miss

hours of valuable instruction and opportunities for learning that they will not have again. Students are counted present

only when they are actually in school, on homebound instruction, or are present at an activity authorized by the school

principal. A student is considered in attendance when present for at least three (3) hours of a school day.

All absences beginning with the first shall be approved or disapproved by the board’s designee, the building principal. In

making this decision, the principal shall be guided by the procedures as presented herein. Decisions regarding approval

of absences and eligibility for credit may be appealed in accordance with district policy.

Any student who misses school must present a written excuse, signed by his or her parent or legal guardian or a health

care professional, for all absences within two (2) days of the student’s return to school. The written excuse should include

the reason for and the date of absence. If a student fails to bring a valid written excuse to school, his or her absence will

be recorded as unlawful. School will use the criteria below when deciding whether an absence is lawful or unlawful.

Lawful Absences

• Absences caused by a student’s illness and whose attendance in school would endanger his or her health or the

health of others. These absences must be verified by a physician statement within two (2) days of the student’s

return to school.

• Absences due to an illness or death in the student’s immediate family verified by a statement from the parent

within two (2) days of the student’s return to school.

• Absences due to a recognized religious holiday of the student’s faith when approved in advance. Such requests

must be made to the principal in writing.

• Absences for students whose parents/guardians are experiencing a military deployment. Specifically absences

when the parent or legal guardian of a student is an active duty member of the uniformed services and has been

called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support

posting, shall be excused as long as such absences are reasonable in duration as deemed by the principal so

that the student can visit with his or her parent or legal guardian relative to such leave or deployment of the parent

or legal guardian.

• Absences due to activities that are approved in advance by the principal. This would include absences for

extreme hardships. Such approval should be prearranged when possible.

Unlawful Absences

• Absences of a student without the knowledge of his or her parents

• Absences of a student without acceptable cause with the knowledge of his or her parents

• Suspension is not to be counted as an unlawful absence for truancy purposes

Absences

For students in grades K-12, principals shall promptly approve or disapprove any student’s absence in excess of ten

(10) days, whether those absences are lawful, unlawful, or a combination of the two. A student does not exceed the

10-day absence limit until the student has reached his or her 11

unlawful absence. Furthermore, a student does not

exceed the 5-day absence limit for a 90-day course until the student has reached his or her 6th unlawful absence.

Carnegie Credit

The school year consists of 180 school days. To receive credit, high school students or students in middle school

taking courses for graduation credit must attend at least 85 days of each 90-day semester course and at least 170

days of each 180-day course, as well as meet all minimum requirements for each course.

In order to receive high school credit after the 10

unlawful absence, “seat time recovery” is required for every

subsequent absence that is unlawful. (Note: the 10

unlawful absence limit applies to each 180-day course and

should be considered 5 days for each 90-day course and 3 days for each 45-day course.) A student may have up to

10 absences excused by a parent note in each 180-day course and 5 days excused by a parent note in each 90-day

course. Parent notes in excess of 10 in a 180-day course, and 5 in a 90-day course, will be considered unexcused

and will count towards the unlawful absences a student has in the respective course. A student must attend the

majority of a class session during a school day to receive credit for that class.)

Truancy

Although the state requires students to only attend 170 of the 180-day school year, parents and students should be

aware that SC Code of Regulations-Chapter 43-274 stipulates that a child ages 6 to 17 year is considered truant

when the child has three consecutive unlawful absences or a total of five unlawful absences. For purposes of this

section (truancy and compulsory attendance), a parent may provide up to 10 parent notes excusing a student’s

absence, 5 parent notes in a 90-day course, and 3 parent notes in a 45-day course. However, in order for any

subsequent absence related to an illness to be lawful it must be supported by a physician statement/medical note.

Student Behavior Code

The District expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly, courteous, dignified and respectful manner. This

requirement refers to their actions toward other students and teachers, their language, their dress and their manners.

Students have a responsibility to know and respect the policies, rules and regulations of the school and District. Violations

of such policies, rules and regulations will result in disciplinary actions. The school directs students to the District's

Behavior Code set forth in Policy JCDA and this handbook. Schools are authorized to incorporate the use of electronic

devices, including cell phones, tablets and other similar devices, into the school environment when appropriate to

enhance learning and student achievement. Schools will establish rules and expectations for student use of electronic

devices, and students will be disciplined in accordance with this policy for any inappropriate or unauthorized use of a

device. School authorities are authorized to employ probation and suspension and to recommend expulsion, if necessary,

to enforce this policy.

It is the philosophy of the District to handle all student disciplinary matters at the lowest supervisory level possible and in

the most reasonable manner possible. Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with appropriate procedural rights

being afforded to students and their parents/guardians as provided by State law, State Board of Education regulation,

and/or the policies of this District.

The Board and the administration offer the following listing of offenses and the required or recommended dispositions for

the information of students, parents/legal guardians and school personnel.

Levels of offenses

Students who engage in an ongoing pattern of behavior that is disruptive to the orderly operations of the school shall

be recommended for expulsion. The following is a general listing of offenses and the required or recommended

disciplinary actions which should be taken as a result of such offenses being committed.

Disorderly conduct - Level I

Disorderly conduct is defined as any activity in which a student engages that tends to impede orderly classroom

procedures or instructional activities, orderly operation of the school or the frequency or seriousness of which

disturbs the classroom or school.

Acts of disorderly conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• classroom tardiness

• cheating on examinations or classroom assignments

• lying

• blackmail of other students or school personnel

• acting in a manner so as to interfere with the instructional process

• abusive language between or among students, to include profane language

• failure to complete assignments or carry out directions

• use of forged notes or excuses

• violation of school bus regulations

• cutting class

• school tardiness

• truancy

• use of obscene or profane language or gestures

• other disorderly acts as determined at the school level, which are not inconsistent with Board policy

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disorderly conduct which may include, but are not limited to,

the following

• verbal reprimand

• withdrawal of privileges (a privilege, as defined by the Greenville County School Board, is a student's

opportunity to participate in any function of the school beyond attending class, riding buses and participating

in the school District's food service program)

• Demerits

• Detention

• In-school/out of school suspension

• Other sanctions approved by the Board or administration

Disruptive conduct - Level II

Disruptive conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by student(s) which are directed against persons or

property and the consequences of which tend to endanger the health or safety of themselves or others in the

school. Some instances of disruptive conduct may overlap certain criminal offenses, justifying both administrative

sanctions and court proceedings.

The administration may reclassify disorderly conduct (Level I) as disruptive conduct (Level II) if the student

engages in the activity three or more times.

Acts of disruptive conduct may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• fighting

• vandalism (minor)

• stealing

• use or possession of laser pointers, fireworks, smoke bombs, pepper-style sprays, and other similar

devices or materials

• threats against others

• trespass

• abusive language to staff, to include profane language

• other disruptive acts which interfere with the educational process

• refusal to obey school personnel or agents (such as volunteer aids or chaperones) whose

responsibilities include supervision of students

• possession or use of unauthorized substances, including tobacco and tobacco products, alternative

nicotine products, non-prescription drugs, "look-a-like" drugs, and drug paraphernalia, including

rolling papers

• illegally occupying or blocking in any way school property with the intent to deprive others of its use

• inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature

• misuse of District technology resources

• gambling on school property

• unlawful assembly

• disrupting lawful assembly

• harassment, intimidation or bullying

o intimidating, threatening, or physically abusing another student

o any other acts as determined at the school level that are not inconsistent with Board policy

The administration may apply sanctions in cases of disruptive conduct which may include, but are not limited to, the

following:

• in-school suspension

• withdrawal of privileges (a privilege, as defined by the Greenville County School Board, is a student's

opportunity to participate in any function of the school beyond attending class, riding buses and

participating in the school District's food service program)

• temporary removal from class

• out-of-school suspension

• referral to outside agency

• assignment to alternative school

• expulsion

• restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities

• other sanctions as approved by the Board or administration

Criminal conduct - Level III

Criminal conduct is defined as those activities engaged in by students (whether or not they result in criminal

charges) that result in violence to themselves or to another's person or property or which pose a direct and

serious threat to the safety of themselves or others in the school or to the security of District resources. These

activities usually require administrative actions which result in the immediate removal of the student from the

school, the intervention of law enforcement authorities and/or action by the Board.

Whenever a student is engaging or has engaged in activities including, but not limited to, one of the acts specified

below, while on school property or at a school sanctioned or sponsored activity which a principal or his/her

designee has reason to believe may result, or has resulted, in injury or serious threat of injury to a person or to

his/her property, the principal or his/her designee is required to notify law enforcement officials.

Acts for which principals must recommend students for expulsion include, but are not limited to, the following:

• bomb threat

• possession, use or transfer of weapons - a weapon is defined as a firearm (rifle, shotgun, pistol or

similar device that propels a projectile through the energy of an explosive); a knife, razor, bludgeon,

blackjack, metal pipe or pole, brass knuckles (to include multi-finger rings); incendiary or explosive

device; or any other type of device or object which may be used to inflict bodily injury or death.

• sexual offenses (which include sexual acts that do not result in a criminal offense)

• arson

• distribution, sale, purchase, manufacture, use, being under the influence of, or unlawful possession of

alcohol or a controlled substance, as defined in S.C. Code Ann. §§ 44-53-110 through 44-53-270.

(See Policy JCDAC)

• threatening to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon a school employee or member of their

immediate family

• ganging ("Ganging" or participating as a member of a gang and inflicting a violent act of bodily harm,

however slight, upon another person will not be tolerated. A "gang" shall consist of two or more

persons acting together for and with the purpose of committing an act of violence against another

person. "Participation" also includes any act that interferes with or hinders a staff member from

stopping the infliction of bodily injury that is the objective of the gang.)

• Unauthorized access, use, or attempted access or use of District computer systems

Additional acts for which principals may recommend students for expulsion include, but are not limited to, the

following:

• vandalism (major)

• theft, possession or sale of stolen property

• disturbing the schools

• possession, use, or transfer of "look-a-like" weapons

• assault and battery

• extortion

• any other acts as determined by the Board

NOTE: In determining whether a student is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, the student's

appearance, behavior, manner, presence of an odor of the substance, and statements made by the student as to

the use of controlled substances or alcohol may be considered without regard to the amount of

alcohol/controlled substance consumed.

The principals must recommend students for expulsion if they have committed offenses which are underlined

above. If a student commits an offense that is not underlined, the principals may recommend the student for expulsion

when the circumstances warrant it. The administration may apply sanctions in cases of criminal conduct which may

include, but are not limited to, the following:

• withdrawal of privileges (a privilege, as defined by the Greenville County School Board, is a student's opportunity

to participate in any function of the school beyond attending class, riding buses and participating in the school

District's food service program)

• out-of-school suspension

• assignment to alternative school

• expulsion

• restitution of property and damages, where appropriate, should be sought by local school authorities

• other sanctions as approved by the Board or administration

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress and be groomed in such a way as to not distract or cause disruption in the educational

program or orderly operation of the school. Personal appearance of students should promote health and safety, contribute

to a climate conducive to teaching and learning and project a positive image of the District to the community. Students

should dress for the educational setting and not the recreational one. The principal may create further guidelines

regarding student dress which are consistent with the guidelines below.

• Clothing and/or hair should not be so extreme or inappropriate to the school setting as to disrupt the education

process. Therefore, clothing deemed distracting, revealing, overly suggestive or otherwise disruptive will not be

permitted.

• Wearing accessories or clothing that could pose a safety threat to oneself or others is not allowed.

• Hats and sunglasses may not be worn in the building.

• Attire must not evidence membership or affiliation with a "gang" in any negative sense of the term.

• Proper shoes must be worn at all times.

• Attire must not be immodest, obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, indecent or offensive.

• Clothing that inappropriately exposes body parts is not permitted. Students shall not expose undergarments.

• Pants must be worn at the natural waistline and undergarments are not to be visible. Pants and slacks must not

bag, sag, or drag.

• No clothing, jewelry, or tattoos are permitted that display profanity, suggestive phrases, or advertisements for, or

messages or pictures depicting or suggesting alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or sex.

In the event the administration determines a student’s dress is inappropriate for school in accordance with this policy, the

administration will either require the student to change or will inform the student not to wear the garment to school again.

Repeated violations of the dress code will be treated as disruptive behavior in violation of the District's Behavior Code.

Transportation

Discipline

In order to ensure the safety of all students riding buses in Greenville County Schools, appropriate behavior is required for

all students. Transportation to and from school is an extension of the classroom and should be considered part of the

school day. The issue of safety requires students to be on their best behavior while on school buses or vehicles.

Violations of school bus rules will be addressed in the manner listed below.

The School District Behavior Code (Board Policy JCDA) is in effect for all students at all times when being transported on

school buses to and from school or school activities. Thus, while students may lose the privilege to ride the bus due to

their conduct as contained below, the student may also be disciplined in accordance with the District’s Behavior Code up

to and including being recommended for expulsion.

Level I Offenses - Disorderly Conduct

• Refusing to follow driver directions

• Getting on or off the bus at an unauthorized stop without permission

• Standing or sitting improperly while the bus is moving

• Intentionally riding the wrong bus without permission from the principal

• General horseplay

• Making loud noises

• Profanity/Obscene Gestures

• Littering

• Possession of tobacco products, e-cigarettes or vaping devices

• Delaying bus services by tardiness, loitering, etc.

• The school administration may classify a Level I offense as a Level II offense if the infraction seriously

jeopardizes the health and/or safety of others.

Level I Consequences

• 1st Referral -- Warning and parent contact

• 2nd Referral -- In school punishment, parent contact and/or one (1) day bus suspension

• 3rd Referral -- Suspended from bus up to three (3) days and parent conference

• 4th Referral -- Suspended from bus up to five (5) days and parent conference

• Additional Level 1 referrals will result in administrative review and may be accelerated to a Level II

consequence.

Level II Offenses

• Use of tobacco products, e- cigarettes, or vaping devices

• Throwing objects out of bus

• Profanity directed at staff

• Rude, discourteous behavior directed at staff

• Vandalism [restitution may be required]

• Harassing, threatening or intimidating another student

• Fighting

• Stealing

• Inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature

• Other safety violations that may interfere with the safe operation of the school bus

• The school administration may classify a Level II offense as a Level III offense if the infraction seriously

jeopardizes the health and/or safety of others.

Level II Consequences

• 1st Referral -- Suspension from bus up to ten (10) days and parent conference

• 2nd Referral -- Suspension from bus up to ten (10) days and parent conference

• 3rd Referral -- Suspension from bus up to thirty (30) days, possible removal and parent conference

Level III Offenses

• Possession, use or transfer of weapons

• Sexual offenses (which include sexual acts that do not result in criminal offense)

• Arson

• Impeding the operation of a school bus

• Distribution, sale, purchase, use or being under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance

• Threatening to take the life of or inflict bodily harm to a school employee

• Ganging

• Bomb threat

Level III Consequences

• Any referral - Minimum thirty (30) days suspension from bus and possible removal from bus for remainder

of school year and parent conference.

Discipline of Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities will be disciplined in accordance with federal and state law including the Individuals with

Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as set forth in the procedures developed by the

administration.

Anti-Bullying and Safe Schools

The District is committed to fostering an environment that both promotes learning and prevents disruptions to the

educational process. In order to create and maintain an atmosphere that promotes learning and prevents disruption, the

District has implemented the following procedures to address student concerns, complaints, and grievances in regards to

bullying, discrimination, harassment, intimidation or misconduct as provided in Board Policy and Administrative Rule

JCDAG. All formal complaints of any allegation of bullying, discrimination or harassment will follow the below process,

except for complaints filed on the basis of sex (Title IX), which will follow the procedures contained in that Section II

below.

Reporting Bullying, Harassment & Discrimination

Any student who believes that he/she has been subject to harassment, intimidation, bullying or misconduct by

other students, employees of the District or third parties in the school setting should immediately inform the

school’s administration and may also file a formal complaint under Board Policy and Administrative Rule JCDAG.

All complaints should be filed with the principal or his or her designee within sixty days of the date of the alleged

incident using the Complaint Form attached to Rule JCDAG. Complaints may also be filed by a student’s parent.

If the allegation is against the school’s administration, the student or parent should file a report directly with the

District’s Ombudsman. Anonymous reports may be made, but those reports must provide the District with

adequate information in order to begin an investigation.

Additionally, students and parents should immediately report any concerns related to employee interactions with

students that are inconsistent with the requirements and expectations contained in Board Policy GBV pertaining

to staff and adult interactions with students. Concerns that should be immediately reported to a school’s

administration include potential mistreatment of students and other conduct by employees that could constitute

inappropriate interaction or communication, including those sexual in nature.

Investigation

Complaints will be investigated promptly, thoroughly, and confidentially. The investigation shall include

appropriate steps to determine what occurred and to take actions to end the harassment, intimidation, or bullying

and prevent such misconduct from occurring again. A meeting will be scheduled within ten working days of the

complaint with the complainant to discuss the complaint. The student and his/her parent(s) shall be informed in

writing of the outcome of the investigation but all discipline of students and staff will remain confidential. The

written notice will also outline the complainant’s right to appeal.

Appeals

An appeal related to disability discrimination or harassment should be made to the District’s Section 504

coordinator. An appeal regarding color, race, or national origin discrimination or harassment should be made to

the District’s Title VI coordinator. The email contact information for the Section 504 Coordinator and Title VI

Coordinator is Secti[email protected]12.sc.us and T[email protected]12.sc.us. Both may also be contacted by

mail at Post Office Box 2848, Greenville SC 29602 or by phone at 864-355-3100.

The appeal shall state the reasons for which the complainant is appealing the initial decision. The coordinator will

examine the evidence presented by all the parties, and may conduct a meeting with both the complainant and the

school principal or designee if needed. The coordinator must provide a written decision to the complainant within

10 working days of receiving the complainant’s written appeal. The coordinator shall inform the complainant of

the right to appeal to the Superintendent or his/her designee. If a coordinator or the Superintendent or his/her

designee is alleged to be involved in the complaint, the District will appoint an objective and impartial

administrator to address the complainant’s appeal at that level.

If a student or parent/guardian is dissatisfied with the action or decision of the Coordinator, they may appeal the

decision to the Superintendent or his/her designee within 10 working days of the decision of the Coordinator. The

appeal shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the appeal. The superintendent or designee, in his or her

discretion, may choose to have a meeting with the complainant and the coordinator. The Superintendent or

designee shall provide a written determination to the complainant and take appropriate action within 10 working

days after the receipt of a written appeal.

Title IX Complaints (Sex-Based Discrimination/Harassment)

The District, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its corresponding regulations (“Title

IX”), does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education program or activities. Title IX prohibits sex-based

harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex

even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature. The District prohibits discrimination and harassment on the

basis of sex in all of its programs and activities by its employees, students or third parties.

Reporting

Any student (or parent/guardian of student) who believes they have been the subject of sex-based harassment or

discrimination should contact the school’s administration immediately. A formal complaint may be filed in

accordance with Administrative Rule JCDAG. Even if a formal complaint is not filed related to a Title IX concern,

the District must still conduct a thorough review into the concern and implement appropriate supportive measures

and disciplinary consequences and provide a written summary to the student/parents related to its efforts and

actions.

Investigation

A school’s Assistant Principal or other appointed school administrator (investigator) will initiate an investigation of

any formal complaint of alleged sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, or inappropriate conduct

of a sexual nature reported to them in consultation with the District’s Title IX Coordinator following the detailed

process outlined in Administrative Rule JCDAG. The school’s Principal will then separately review the findings of

that investigation and render a determination as the decision-maker. If an allegation is made against a non-

student, including an employee, the District Employee Relations Representative will serve as the investigator and

a director in the District’s Human Resources Department will serve as the decision-maker. A parent or legal

guardian or Title IX Coordinator may also file a complaint on behalf of the student. If, for any reason, the student

prefers not to share the complaint with the Assistant Principal, he or she may submit a complaint with the

Principal.

The District prohibits retaliation or reprisal in any form against a student or employee who has filed a report. The District

also prohibits any person from falsely accusing another person.

Additional information pertaining to Title IX, including contact information for the District’s Title IX Coordinator, training

received by District employees, and the process for appeals can be found at

https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=titleix

Homework

When homework is given, assignments shall reflect the following guidelines:

Homework shall include one or more of the three generally recognized types of homework:

Practice: reinforces newly acquired skills taught in class

Preparation: helps students prepare for upcoming lessons, activities, or tests

Extension: provides challenging, often long-term opportunities for enrichment that parallel class work

Homework shall be carefully planned and explained to the students. Content and duration of homework shall be

personalized to accommodate the age, grade, ability, and readiness of the students. Homework shall be assigned with

awareness of the home resources available to the student and the family and alternative options offered, where

necessary. Since involvement in extracurricular activities is encouraged and valued, homework assignments that are

lengthy shall be scheduled as far in advance as possible.

Because homework at the high school level varies according to a student’s course load and schedule, high school

students should spend sufficient time on homework to master the content of the subject matter. Completed homework

assignments are to be reviewed by the teacher or designee; appropriate instructional follow-up shall occur.

If homework is graded, the homework shall count no more than 10% of the overall quarterly grade at the middle school

and high school levels.

Because they require a greater amount of time and effort than daily assignments, grades for long- range assignments

shall not count as part of the homework percentage, but should be considered in the time allocated for homework.

Parents and students shall be informed at the beginning of the school year and at the beginning of second semester, if

appropriate, of the district homework policies and classroom homework expectations.

Students are encouraged to spend some time each day reading a variety of materials independently.

Uniform Grading Scale

The Uniform Grading Policy approved by the State Board of Education is effective for all students enrolled in unit-bearing

classes, including those offered at the middle school level.

The SC Grading Scale is as follows:

A= 90-100; B= 80-89, C= 70-79, D= 60-69, F= 0-59

WF= 50, FA=50, P= no value, WP= no value, AU= no value, NP=no value

Link to: SC Uniform Grading Scale

-12

Grade

The following grade scale will be applied to students in grades 2-12.

A=100-90 B=89-80 C=79-70 D=69-60 F=59-50

For Carnegie Unit courses please refer to the state Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) for quality points and state regulations

guiding credit-bearing courses.

Grading Floors

High School Students (Grades 9-12)

A floor of 50 will be applied to quarter report cards for High School Students (9-12). The floor will not be applied to Interim

Progress reports.

Seat Time Recovery

Students who don’t qualify for credit because they have exceeded the allowed number of absences may participate in

Seat Time Recovery.

In order to receive one Carnegie unit of credit, a student must be in attendance at least 120 hours, per unit, regardless of

the number of days missed, or must demonstrate proficiency as determined by the District. This exception to the 120-hour

requirement is to be administered by the District on a case-by-case basis and only for students who have excessive

absences that have been approved. General requests for proficiency-based credit must be made through the process

described in Regulation 43-234. Students whose absences are approved should be allowed to make up any work missed

in order to satisfy the 120-hour requirement.

In order to receive high school credit after the 10th unlawful absence, “seat time recovery” is required for every

subsequent absence that is unlawful. (Note: the 10 day absence limit applies to each 180-day course and should be

considered 5 days for each 90-day course and 3 days for a 45 day course.). A student must attend the majority of a class

session during a school day to receive credit for that class.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents (including legal guardians)

and students over 18 years of age (eligible students) certain rights with respect to students’ education records. “Student

education records” include any records maintained by a school or the district that are directly related to the student. These

rights are:

• The right to inspect and review a student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school receives a

request for access. Parents or eligible students should write a letter to the school principal and identify the

record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access to those records and will notify the

parent or eligible student of the time and place where they may inspect them.

• The right to request an amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes

are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or

eligible students may ask the school to amend an education record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading

by writing the school principal. In that letter, they should not only clearly identify the part of the record they want

changed, but also specify why they believe it is inaccurate or misleading. They should also provide any evidence

to support their claim. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible

student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a

district-level hearing regarding the request for amendment. The school will provide additional information

regarding the district’s hearing procedures when they notify the parent or eligible student of the decision. After the

hearing, if the district still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a

statement with the record setting forth his/her view about the contested information.

• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education

records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. FERPA allows the district to

disclose education records to school officials with a legitimate educational interest in the information contained in

the record without consent from the parent or eligible student. A school official is a person employed by the district

as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health and law enforcement staff); a

person serving on the School Board; and a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a

special task (such as an attorney, auditor or therapist). A school official has a legitimate educational interest if that

official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request

and without consent, the district forwards and discloses education records to officials of another school district in

which a student seeks/intends to enroll, specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes, appropriate parties in

connection with financial aid, organizations conducting certain studies for the school, accrediting organizations, to

comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena, to appropriate offices in cases of health and safety

emergencies, and to state and local authorities within a juvenile system.

• The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to

comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The name and address of the federal agency that administers FERPA is as follows:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202-5920

*An eligible student is defined as a student who reaches 18 years of age or attends a post-secondary school.

Directory Information

Information that the District has designated as "directory information" regarding a student may be released to

outside organizations without prior written consent from the parent/eligible student. The District defines

directory information as a student's name, address, telephone number, photograph, grade level, school to

which he/she is assigned, years of attendance at that school, awards received, participation in officially

recognized activities and sports, and weight and height of athletic team members. Outside organizations

requesting directory information include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or

publish yearbooks. In addition, the No Child Left Behind Act requires that local high schools must provide

military recruiters, upon request, access to secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone

listings. If you do not wish for the District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records

without your prior written consent, you must notify the School in writing no later than 30 calendar days after the

first day of school.

Student Speakers at School-Sponsored Activities

The School District of Greenville County is committed to maintaining an educational environment in which

students of all backgrounds, beliefs and religions are welcome and treated with equal dignity and respect. The

District will neither advance nor inhibit religion. In accord with the United States Constitution, the District

protects private expression, including religious expression, by individual students as long as that expression

does not create a disruption to or interfere with the educational environment.

Student speakers at school-sponsored activities, including graduations, may not be selected on a basis that

either favors or disfavors religious speech. Where student speakers are selected on the basis of genuinely

neutral, evenhanded criteria and retain primary control over the content of their expression, that expression is

not attributable to the school and therefore may not be restricted because of its religious or secular content. In

contrast, where school officials determine or substantially control the content of what is expressed, such

speech is attributable to the school and may not include prayer or religious content. A school, however, may

prevent or remove a speaker if the content of their speech is obscene, contrary to the District’s behavior code

or substantially disruptive to the school environment.

School Insurance

Student accident insurance is offered as a service to parents. The available insurance coverage includes

school-only or 24-hour coverage. Coverage, cost, and enrollment information is provided on the District’s

website at https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/Parents/main.asp?titleid=faqinsurance

Voluntary student accident insurance is different from athletic insurance, which is required.

Parent’s Right to Know

As the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in Greenville County Schools, you have the right to know the

professional qualifications of the classroom teachers and instructional assistants who instruct your child.

Federal law allows you to ask for the following information about your child’s classroom teachers and requires

the District to give you this information in a timely manner:

• whether a teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject

areas in which the teacher provides instruction;

• whether a teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state

qualification or licensing criteria have been waived;

• the baccalaureate degree major of a teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the

teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree;

If you would like to receive this information, please call the Human Resources Department.

Student Use of Technology

Students must use school technology in an appropriate manner and in accordance with Board Policy and

Administrative Rule EFE. This school technology includes District email, network, equipment, and assigned

devices to students. Students will be disciplined in accordance with the District’s Behavior Code (JCDA) for

any misuse of school technology. While the District implements filters and safeguards for school technology,

the District cannot guarantee that these measures will detect or prevent inappropriate use of technology by

students. Parents and students should immediately contact the student’s school with any concerns pertaining

to the use of technology.

Board Policies and Administrative Rules

All current policies of the Greenville County School District Board of Trustees and administrative rules can be

found on Board Docs on the District’s website at: https://go.boarddocs.com/sc/greenville/Board.nsf/Public

Academic Information

To be promoted to the next grade level:

• 9

to 10

– 5 credits including 1 English and 1 Math

• 10

to 11

– 11 credits including 2 English, 2 Math and 1 Science

• 11

to 12

– 17 credits including 3 English, 3 Math and 2 Science

• Students earning credits during the school year who have met the requirement will be promoted after 1

semester and only if they are passing all classes at that time.

A total of 24 units of work must be completed in order to earn a South Carolina High School Diploma.

The units that must be earned for a South Carolina High School Diploma.

Language Arts (English) 4 units

Mathematics 4 units

US History 1 unit

American Government ½ unit

Economics ½ unit

*Other Social Studies 1 unit

*Lab Science 3 units

Computer Science 1 unit

World Language or CATE 1 unit

Physical Education or JROTC 1 unit

Electives 7 units

TOTAL CARNEGIE UNITS 24

*Units earned beyond the required number will be counted as electives.

Academic Honesty Policy

Background and Philosophy:

In accordance with the District’s behavior code (JCDA), the Southside High School community embodies a spirit

of mutual trust and intellectual honesty that is central to the very nature of the school and represents the highest

expression of shared values among the members of the school community. Southside students are expected to

uphold the Academic Honesty Policy that instills a sense of integrity and personal achievement that will last

beyond the student’s high school years. In our efforts to promote academic honesty, Southside High School’s

faculty expects students to uphold the IB Learner Profile which includes being:

• Inquirers – who acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research

• Knowledgeable – who explore concepts, ideas and issues

• Principled – who act with integrity and honesty and take responsibility for their own actions

• Open-minded – who are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view

• Thinkers – who make ethical decisions

Definitions:

• Cheating is defined as using dishonest methods to gain an advantage. This includes utilizing any kind of

secretive means of gaining information for use on quizzes, tests, or homework.

• Plagiarism is defined as stealing and passing off the ideas and words of another as one’s own and/or using

a created production without crediting the source.

• Falsification/Lying is defined as making an untrue statement verbally or in writing with the intent to deceive

academically.

Cheating, plagiarism and falsification/lying are serious offenses and do not reflect the high standards of

character, citizenship, and integrity so highly valued at Southside High School and reflected in our school’s

mission statement. Academic misconduct of any kind undermines the learning environment and will not be

tolerated at Southside High School.

Please be aware that the student “is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all work

submitted for assessment is authentic, with the work or ideas of others fully and correctly

acknowledged.” (IBO Academic Honesty, 2007)

Southside’s expectations and best practices are set out below.

The academically honest student DOES:

• Document source material in a formal and appropriate manner

• Use direct quotations appropriately

• Paraphrase and cite others’ ideas appropriately

• Understand the concept of plagiarism

• Understand the concept and consequences of cheating, plagiarism, falsification/lying regarding both

school-based work and external assignments

• Acknowledge explicitly and appropriately the help provided by another person

• Follow all exam rules

The academically honest student DOES NOT:

• Copy from any source without adhering to rules that govern intellectual property

• Copy the internal assessment work of other students

• Give another student his/her work to copy

• Use notes during a test unless allowed by the teacher or permitted by the examination rules

• Doing homework for another student

• Present material written by another student as his/her own

• Purchase and submit pieces written by someone else

• Write essays for other students

• Present artistic or creative work in any medium that has literally been reproduced except in a manner

allowed by the teacher or permitted by the examination rules

Violation Consequences:

Violations will be dealt with by the teacher and administrator. Academic honesty violations by IB students will

be reported to the IB Coordinator as deemed necessary. Students who are caught violating the Academic

Honesty Policy will receive a zero for the assignment. Parents will be contacted in these situations.

Violations include, but are not limited to:

• Copying homework/classwork or allowing someone to copy homework/classwork

• Looking on another’s test or quiz

• Letting another student look on a test or a quiz

• Using other secretive methods of receiving or giving answers by words, signs, gestures etc.

• Failing to use proper documentation and or draft a bibliography

• Working with others on an assignment that was meant to be done individually

• Using unauthorized notes, aids or written material in any form during an assessment unless approved by

the teacher

• Unauthorized use of technological devices (cell phone, cameras, iPod, games etc.) when taking an

assessment unless approved by the teacher

• Making an untrue statement verbally or in writing with the intent to deceive academically

• Creating false or misleading impressions

• Forgery of official signatures

• Presenting someone else’s work as your own including the copying of language, structure, programming,

computer code ideas, and/or other thoughts of another without proper citation or acknowledgment

• Taking any part of a test to use or give to others by the use of any methods

• Stealing or receiving stolen material by any methods

• Altering grades on a computer database

Some violations can be considered theft; therefore, further consequences may include suspension from

the class or suspension from the IB Diploma Programme. Students may also be removed from the

National Honor Society, Academic Team, Tiger Ambassadors and Student Council. Repeat offenders

may be deemed ineligible to represent the school in extracurricular activities.

*Academic dishonesty on State or Federal administered exams will be turned over to District Officials,

State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)or the appropriate Federal agency.

Note:

Parts of this document itself are a modification of policies currently used at Southside High School as well as in

IB Schools around the world. Principle outside sources include East Hartford High School, Carson Graham High

School, South Lake Carroll High School and Beijing City International School.

Examinations

All students are mandated by the District to take exams during the exam period. Final exams can’t be given in

advance of the regularly scheduled exam dates. Exams will be limited to two (2) per day and will be two hours

in length. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain prior permission from the principal to take a make-up exam

for any absence or to bring a doctor’s note for an unplanned illness. Do not schedule a medical appointment

during an exam period. Students who miss exams will receive a zero. Exams may be made up only with a

medical note.

End of Course Testing

The S. C. The State Department of Education mandates that an EOC exam counts as 20% of the final yearly

grade. All students who are enrolled in English II, Biology, Algebra I, and U. S. History must take a state

exam at the end of the course in May that determines the students’ mastery of state standards in those

subject areas. The EOC requires year -long preparation; therefore, parents must work closely with

teachers to help students attend classes regularly.

IB and AP Exams

IB and AP examinations are an integral part of both the IB and AP Programs. Students enrolled in IB and/or AP

courses are expected to sit for all respective exams during the year in which the course(s) are taken. IB/AP

exams are considered final exams in IB and AP courses. Students who fail to take one or more IB and/or AP

exams and do not have a valid excuse as determined by the IB and AP organizations will not be eligible for

make-up exams. Students will also be required to reimburse the school district for the cost of each exam not

taken. Additionally, students will be required to take the final exam(s) in the IB/AP course(s) in which they were

enrolled before credit for the course(s) will be awarded. All students enrolled in an AP course are required

to take the AP exam. NO EARLY DISMISSALS WILL BE GRANTED DURING EXAMS.

Grading and Report Cards

Students will receive four report cards during the year, one for each nine – weeks grading period. The School

District of Greenville County has established the following numerical ranges representing each letter grade:

A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 70–79

D = 60–69

F = 0-59

*Students with a final grade average of 59 or below will receive an “F” and the course must be repeated

for credit. Students with excessive absences after the 10th unlawful absence will receive an “FA” (failure

due to absences).

Backpack

Backpack allows our students and parents to access personal information regarding our students online. Parents

are able to access grades and discuss student progress with our teachers. Students are able to login on the

Backpack home page. Here are the steps for parents to create an account to have access:

1. Go to http://parents.gcsbackpack.com, and click on the “I’m a Parent” button.

2. Enter a valid email address and create a 10-character password.

3. Complete your name and click “Create My Parent Account” button.

4. When you receive a confirmation email, click on “Activate Your Parent Backpack Account”.

5. Clicking will take you to the Parent Backpack login scree. Log in using your email and newly created

password.

6. Click on “My Students” to link your account to your child(ren). Have a copy of your latest grade report

handy because you will need your Student’s ID Number. If your child is in his/her first year in GCS and

you do not know the ID number, contact the school.

7. Click “Add a Student” and complete the requested information. Click “Request to Add a Student”.

You will receive a message that your request has been successfully submitted to the administrative clerk

at your student’s school for review.

Graduation

Participation in the Graduation Exercise is a privilege and certain guidelines must be followed:

• Students must have caps, gowns and diploma cover to participate. Cap and gown must be purchased from

the school's vendor during the current school year. No other graduation paraphernalia is

acceptable. Honor cords/stoles must be approved by the principal or designee.

• Only those seniors receiving state or district diplomas or certificates are eligible to participate.

• All practices are mandatory. If students do not attend practices, they cannot participate unless approved by

the principal. Students must be on time for rehearsals.

• All school rules and district discipline procedures are in effect at all practices and at graduation exercises.

• Graduation is a dignified ceremony and dignified behavior is expected from students and guests. Detailed

information will be given to seniors in the spring outlining appropriate dress and behavior.

• Students qualify as High Honor graduates if they obtain a cumulative 4.00 GPA, and those obtaining a

cumulative GPA between 3.75 and 3.99 will qualify as Honor graduates.

• All debts must be cleared before a student can participate in graduation.

Honor Roll

Criteria for the Honor Roll: 3.00 GPA with no D’s or F’s

Criteria for the Principal’s Honor Roll: 4.00 GPA with no D’s or F’s

In an effort to recognize the excellent academic achievements of all Southside High School students, the

Guidance Department will list the names of students qualifying for either the Principal’s Honor Roll or the Honor

Roll at the end of each grading period. These lists will be posted in designated areas throughout the building.

Campus Safety

Southside High School is a closed campus. Students are not allowed to leave campus during normal school

hours. Students are not allowed to have food delivered to the school during school hours. Commercial foods

and gifts are not allowed to be delivered to the school (i.e. “Door Dash”, or other food couriers). Balloons,

flowers or other celebratory paraphernalia may NOT be delivered to students during school hours.

All visitors must sign in. Parents are allowed to visit with appointments with administration and guidance.

Persons entering campus without legitimate business could be subject to arrest and prosecuted for trespassing.

Students can only go to the parking lot during the school day with administrative approval. Students in

the parking lot without administrative approval will receive disciplinary actions.

After School Activities and Athletic Events

1. All Southside fans are expected to treat visiting teams and officials as guests and to extend to them our

every courtesy. Students are expected to behave according to school rules any time they are attending

a school-sponsored activity.

2. The Southside staff and administration strive to ensure the safety and security of all students. The school

asks therefore that students be picked up promptly after the evening activities. Football games are

generally over by 10:00 P.M. All students are expected to be off campus by 10:15 P.M. Basketball games

are generally over by 9:45 P.M. All students are expected off campus by 10:00 P.M.

3. Any student that is suspended cannot attend sporting events and or extracurricular activities

Please speak to sponsors of any after-school or evening activity to get information on beginning and ending

times for activities or field trips. We expect all students to be picked up within 15 minutes of the ending

time of any activity or field trip. Students who fail to leave the activity within 15 minutes of the event's

closing will be banned from future events.

Before and After School Policy

Students will not be allowed to enter the building before 7:45 A.M. Students are to remain in the Cafeteria until

the 8:35 A.M. bell rings. Once the school day has ended, students will exit the building by using the exit to the

student parking lot. Students are to be out of the building by 4:00 P.M. The only exceptions are tutoring or

after school activities; i.e., sports, clubs, and band. Students must be at their tutoring location or activity sponsor

by 4:00 P.M. If students are found wandering the building or loitering in the cafeteria, they will be asked to leave

and if it continues to be a problem, disciplinary action will be taken. Students are not allowed in the building

after school unless supervised by a teacher due to supervision and safety.

These riders and walkers are expected to leave the building when called for dismissal. Once students are

outside, students may not come back into the building. All riders are expected to be outside by 3:45 P.M. If a

rider refuses to exit the building or causes a disturbance either inside or outside, disciplinary action will be

taken. ONLY BUS RIDERS SHOULD COME TO THE BUS LOADING AREA.

Career Centers and Fine Arts Center

Students may choose to attend the Career Centers or the Fine Arts Center. These students must adhere to

school rules and school district policy when en route to and from school or when in attendance at the Centers.

Transportation is provided based on need and demand. Bus riders are to board in the bus parking lot at 8:40

A.M. or 1:00 P.M. FAC/ DCC/GSCC students who return before class change are to report to the cafeteria until

the period ends. Students who return in the afternoon are not to enter the building until after 3:45 P.M.

Students may apply for permission to drive or ride to the Fine Arts and Career Centers at the respective centers.

Drivers may receive permission to report directly to the Career Center or Fine Arts Center. Principals at both

schools must grant this permission. Students who drive to a center in the afternoon may leave at 1:00 P.M.

Students who drive are expected to report directly to the center or the school. Career Center and FAC students

will not attend all assemblies and pep

rallies. Attendance at assemblies will be left to the discretion of the administration at the Career Center,

the Fine Arts Center, and Southside High School.

Class Dues

Class dues are as follows:

9th Grade-$10.00 10th Grade-$10.00

11th Grade-$15.00 12th Grade-$35.00

Dues cover postage, class expenses, and commencement costs.

Counseling Department

The School Counseling Department provides every student with the opportunity for individual and group

counseling throughout the school year. Students applying to post-high school educational institutions should

see their counselor for transcripts. Any transferring student must return all textbooks and Chromebook upon

completing the withdrawal form.

Dr. Stephanye Zimmerman………………. Students’ Last Name A-B

Mrs. Shana Dendy……………………...…. Students’ Last Name C-Hig

Mr. Ryan Leger……...……………………...Students’ Last Name Hill-Pa

Ms. Lisa Mercurio………...…….….............Students’ Last Name Pe-Z

Dr. Patricia Drummond……..………...……College and Career Readiness

Mrs. Jennifer Jones…………………….…. Greenville Mental Health Counselor

Discipline Policies: Southside High School Rules and Expectations

An atmosphere of mutual respect between students and teachers is expected. The general responsibility of

discipline rests with the faculty. Each teacher has the authority to enforce discipline. Student cooperation and

self-discipline are expected. Teachers will discuss with their students the conduct policies as outlined in the Code

of Discipline adopted by the School District of Greenville County, a copy of which is included in this handbook

and on the District website.

Persistent or uncontrollable misconduct will be referred to an assistant principal for disciplinary action. Strong

and consistent measures will be taken to eliminate undesirable conduct. A discipline referral indicates serious

misbehavior. Students being removed from a classroom for major disruptions will face disciplinary

action.

UPON ENTERING THE BUILDING AT 7:45 A.M. STUDENTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO ADHERE TO ALL

RULES AND POLICIES SET FORTH BY GREENVILLE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND SOUTHSIDE

HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION.

1. All students are to remain in their seats unless otherwise instructed by the teacher. The teacher, not the bell,

will dismiss class.

2. Students will not deface and/or destroy any property at school and will be held accountable for damage

payment.

3. Students will not be allowed to leave class except for the following (with teacher’s authorization):

a. Health Room Visits

b. Restroom

c. Called by Guidance or Administration

4. Students are expected to be quiet during announcements, the moment of silence, and attendance.

5. Refusal to relinquish contraband items will result in an automatic suspension. (i.e. cards, dice, etc.)

Southside High School Disciplinary Rubric 2022-2023

Offense

Description

Consequence

Alcohol Consumption,

Possession, Under Influence/

Illegal Drugs, Controlled

Substances, Distribution,

Medications, Intoxicating

Inhalants, and Drug

Paraphernalia

The following are prohibited:

• Possession, sale, or

distribution of alcoholic

beverages, illegal drugs and

narcotics, toxic substances,

and drug paraphernalia.

• Unauthorized possession,

use, or distribution of a

controlled substance or

medication (prescription and

over the counter) and

intoxicating inhalant.

Students will be recommended for

expulsion.

• Coming onto school property

at any time after use of any

alcoholic beverage, illegal

drug, controlled substance, or

intoxicating inhalant as

evidenced by scent, actions,

or admission.

Assault / Fighting or Inciting

a Fight

Any hostile verbal or physical

conflict between individuals or

inciting a fight is forbidden on

school property.

• 1st offense:

Suspension/Involve

SRO/Probation/ Possible

Recommendation for

expulsion

• 2nd offense:

Recommendation for

expulsion

Cell Phone / Earbuds

Students are not allowed to have

their cell phones out during any

instructional time without the

permission of the teacher.

Students are allowed to wear one

earbud or any other type of

earphone at school, allowing the

student to receive

announcements or warnings while

traveling the hallways.

• 1st - Teacher warning /

Parent Contact

• 2nd - ISS

• 3rd - OSS

Cell Phone / Earbuds -

Refusal to Obey

Student does not comply with

putting cell phone or earbuds

away upon request from any adult

in the building.

• 1st - ISS

• 2nd & subsequent - OSS

Cheating or Plagiarism

The School District of Greenville

County expects students to

maintain integrity in all school

work and to refrain from any

action that would bring dishonor

to them or their schools. Copying

the work of others and submitting

it as one’s own or securing or

providing answers in a dishonest

way is forbidden. Plagiarism from

the Internet is included in this

offense.

Zero on the assignment/Parent

contact.

Chromebook Damage and

Misuse

Read Chromebook Offenses and

Consequences- Level 1, Level 2

Disciplinary actions will be

administered

Consensual Participation in

Sexual Misconduct

Consensual participation in any

sex act involving physical contact.

Students will be recommended for

expulsion.

Cutting Class or Leaving

Class

Students are required to attend all

classes.

• 1st - ISS - 1 day

• 2nd -ISS - 2 days

• 3rd- OSS

Display of Affection

Students will refrain from

excessive displays of affection

while on school property. Failure

to comply will result in disciplinary

action and communication with

parents.

• 1

- Warning

• 2

- ISS (½ day)

• 3

- ISS

Disrespect

Disrupting Class

• Students are required to obey

school rules and to respect

the authority of teachers and

other school personnel.

Failure to do so constitutes a

disciplinary offense.

• Disrupting class could be, but

not limited to, excessive

talking, horseplay, or making

noises.

• 1st - Parent contact

• 2nd - ISS

• 3rd – OSS

Distribution of Unauthorized

Materials

The distribution of unauthorized

material on school property or the

distribution of material in violation

of school distribution rules is

prohibited. Distribution of explicit

material will result in an automatic

suspension.

• 1

– Warning

• 2

- OSS

Dress Code

• Students in violation of the

dress code will be sent to ISS

and parents may bring a

change of clothes. Students

will remain in ISS until a parent

delivers the clothing and the

student will receive a referral.

• Dress code rules do apply

when a student is assigned

ISS. Failure to comply could

result in suspension.

• 1st - Referral to

Administrator, Warning,

Parent Contacted for a

change of clothes (student

waits in ISS for change of

clothes)

• 2nd - ½ day ISS / parent

contacted for change of

clothes

• 3rd - 1 day ISS / parent

contacted for change of

clothes

• 4th - 1 day OSS

Forgery

Using an individual's name

without their consent is not

allowed.

• 1st – ISS

• 2nd - OSS

Gambling

Any participation in games of

chance for money or other items

of value is forbidden on school

property.

• 1

– Warning

• 2

- 1 day ISS

• 3

- OSS

Ganging/Lynching

“Ganging” or participating as a

member of a gang to inflict a

violent act of bodily harm,

however slight, upon another

person will not be tolerated. A

“gang” shall consist of two or

more persons acting together for

and with the purpose of

committing an act of violence

against another person.

“Participation” also includes any

act that interferes with or hinders

a staff member from stopping the

infliction of bodily injury that is the

objective of the gang.

Students will be recommended for

expulsion.

ID Displayed

Students must display their

current ID badge on a lanyard

• 1st - Warning during 1st

period

around their neck at all times

during the school day.

• 2nd - ISS / Student referral /

parent call

• 3rd - Referral / OSS

No ID

Students must arrive at school

each day with an ID.

Temporary IDs are available for

purchase for $.50 (limit 3).

Purchase allows you to return to

class.

• 1st - Report to ISS after 8:45

• 2nd - ISS / Student referral /

parent call

• 3rd - Referral / OSS

Inappropriate Clothing

Clothing and/or accessories that

advertise drugs, alcohol,

weapons, anything suggestively

profane, obscene, racial, and

illegal or gang/neighborhood

related --may not be worn or

brought to school. Items that

violate the dress code policy may

be confiscated

• 1st - ISS, parent contact

• 2nd - Referral / 1 day OSS

• 3rd - Referral / 3 days OSS

• 4th - Recommendation for

Expulsion

Lying

Students should be truthful at all

times when questioned by adults

in the building.

ISS/OSS depending on the level of

the offense as deemed by the

administrator.

Misuse of District Technology

Resources

District Technology Resources in

Greenville County schools include

equipment, networks, and access

to the Internet. Student access to

Technology Resources is a

privilege and not a right. Students

violating the Acceptable Use

Policy or other District regulations

are subject to disciplinary action.

Restriction or loss of privileges and

other disciplinary action which may

include parent notification,

counseling, suspension, or

recommendation for expulsion are

possible consequences.

Use or Possession of

Unauthorized Materials

Fireworks, smoke bombs, pepper-

style sprays and other similar

devices or materials are

inappropriate for school and can

cause severe injury.

Suspension/Recommendation for

expulsion are possible

consequences.

Off Limits Area

Students are not allowed to be in

off limits areas

• 1st - administrator warning

• 2nd - ISS

• 3rd - OSS

Off Limits Area - Altercation /

Confrontation

Students are not allowed to be in

off limits areas

• 1st offense:

Suspension/Involve

SRO/Probation/ Possible

Recommendation for

expulsion

• 2nd offense:

Recommendation for

expulsion

Off Limits Area–Two or more

students in one stall at the

same time

Students are not allowed to be in

off limits areas

• 1st Offense: OSS

• 2nd Offense: OSS (3 day)

• 3rd Offense: OSS (5 day)

Refusal to Obey

Students are required to comply

with the directives of teachers and

adults in the building. Failure to

• 1st - ½ day ISS (2 blocks)

• 2nd - 1 day ISS/ Parent

contact

do so will result in a disciplinary

referral. Refusal to report to ISS

will result in suspension.

This includes students bringing

their Chromebook to school daily.

• 3rd - 2 days ISS

• 4th - OSS

Sexual

Harassment/Misconduct of a

Sexual Nature

Comments, threats,

conversations, coercion, actions,

jokes, teasing, or intimidation

when they are of a sexual nature

and are unwelcome by those

exposed to them, whether they

are staff members, visitors, or

other students, are forbidden. Any

student (or the parent/legal

guardian of a student) who

believes he or she has been

subjected to such behavior should

immediately contact the school

principal, guidance counselor, or

a teacher to report the behavior.

Student counseling, parent

notification, restriction from

participation in extracurricular

activities, in-school suspension,

suspension, referral to SRO, and

recommendation for expulsion are

possible consequences.

Smoking, Tobacco Products,

Lighters, Vapes

Smoking and possession or use

of tobacco products and smoking

paraphernalia on school property

is prohibited. Students under the

age of 18 may be subject to fines

as outlined by the Greenville

County Sheriff’s Department.

• 1st Offense: OSS (3 day)

• 2nd Offense: OSS (5 day)

• 3rd Offense: OSS (8 day)

Each offense is subject to a possible

fine by the Greenville County

Sheriff’s Department

Tardiness

A student who arrives late to

school or to class is tardy.

Excessive tardiness will result in

disciplinary action.

Tardies are recorded by the

classroom teacher.

• 1

– 2

Offense ..

Parent

Contact

• 3

Offense …Referral to

Administrator, Warning,

Parent Contact

• 4

Offense…...ISS (½ day)

• 5

Offense…...ISS

• 6

Offense…...OSS

Theft

Taking the property of another

without permission is forbidden.

This statement applies whether

the property belongs to another

student, a staff member or the

school district.

• 1

- OSS – 1 day

• 2

- OSS – 3 days

• 3

- OSS – 5 days

Threats, Bullying,

Harassment, Hazing,

Intimidation or Blackmail

Threats of force, threats of injury,

bullying, harassment, intimidation,

blackmail, and hazing are

forbidden and may violate state

law. Hazing is any activity that

humiliates, degrades, abuses or

endangers another person,

regardless of the person’s

willingness to participate.

• 1

– ISS

• 2

- OSS/Probation

• 3

- Recommendations for

expulsion are possible

consequences.

Threats and Assaults Against

School Personnel

Threatening to inflict or inflicting

any bodily harm, however slight,

Students will be recommended for

expulsion.

upon any school employee is

prohibited.

Truancy, Leaving School,

Unauthorized Walk-Out

Failure to attend school all or part

of the day without a lawful excuse

is prohibited. During regular

school hours, students are not

allowed to leave classrooms, the

school building, or campus

without school permission.

• 1st - OSS - 1 day

• 2nd -OSS- 2 days

• 3rd- OSS - 3 days

Weapons on School or

District Property

Possession of any kind of weapon

is not permitted on school or

district property. “Weapon”

includes, but is not limited to

guns, blackjacks, dirks, brass or

other metal knuckles, razors,

bludgeons, box openers,

slingshots, knives with a blade

over 2” long, or any other device

or object that is possessed or

used with the intention of inflicting

bodily injury or death.

Student will be recommended for

expulsion

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING:

Hats, beanies, caps, skullies, bandanas, hoods, head wraps, sweat bands, wave caps, bonnets, do-rags,

hair curlers, clothing and/or equipment featuring drug paraphernalia, sunglasses, flip flops/shower

shoes (thong shoes without strap), furry slippers (w/o hard bottom), bedroom slippers, holes above

knee, crop tops (midriffs), pajamas, biker shorts, sagging pants, blankets, playing cards and outside

food.

The administration will make the final judgment on the appropriateness of clothing and/or appearance and

reserves the right to prohibit students from wearing any articles of clothing or other items which lead to or may

foreseeably result in the disruption of or interference with the school environment. The student may be placed

in ISS until a change of clothing is available or for the remainder of the school day. Students will also be

informed not to wear the garment to school again. Defiance or refusal to change clothing and repeated

offenses may result in out of school suspension.

Due Process

Students facing disciplinary action are entitled to fair procedures to determine if they are at fault. This process

includes, at a minimum, the right to know what they are accused of and the right to respond with their side of the

situation. Students have the right to appeal decisions resulting in major disciplinary action such as suspension

from school or transportation, expulsion, or transfer to an alternative program.

A complete copy of the District’s Policy, Administrative Rule, and report form referenced above can be located

at http://www.boarddocs.com/sc/greenville/Board.nsf/Public#. You may also receive a copy of Policy

JCDAG, Administrative Rule JCDAG, or the report form from your school upon request.

Removal of Students from School

Disruptive or disorderly student conduct may result in removal from school

A. Suspension

SUSPENSION IS THE TEMPORARY REMOVAL OF A STUDENT FROM SCHOOL OR CLASS to correct

unacceptable behavior. No student may be suspended in excess of ten days for any one offense unless

expulsion is recommended.

In order to suspend a student, the appropriate administrator shall inform the student of the specific charge

against him and notify him of the evidence in support of this charge. The student must be given an opportunity

to refute the charge. If the student challenges the charge and the administrator feels that further investigation

is warranted, he should make such an investigation. If the administrator determines the student has

committed an offense for which suspension is appropriate, the administrator shall suspend the student from

school and notify the student’s parents or legal guardian in writing for the reason of the suspension and its

length and of a time and place when the administrator will be available for a conference.

The conference shall be set within two school days of the start of the suspension. Requests for review of

suspensions may be made to the principal, then to the superintendent (or designee), and then to the Board.

**SUSPENSIONS WILL BEGIN AT 3:45 PM ON THE DAY THE ADMINISTRATOR NOTIFIES THE

STUDENT.**

NO STUDENT MAY RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER A SUSPENSION UNLESS A RE-ENTRANCE

CONFERENCE IS HELD. RE-ENTERING SCHOOL WITHOUT A PARENT CONFERENCE WILL RESULT IN

THE STUDENT BEING PLACED IN ISS AND SUSPENDED EACH DAY THEREAFTER UNTIL THE PARENT

CONFERENCE IS HELD.

B. Expulsion

In accordance with its discipline code set forth in Policy JD, the Board authorizes the administration to

initiate expulsion proceedings against any student. In most cases expulsion means the removal of a student

from school. The superintendent shall contract with retired superintendent or school-level administrators who

shall rotate in serving as the hearing officer to conduct on behalf of the board any hearing requested on a

recommendation for expulsion. Except for the special circumstances set forth in the next paragraph,

expulsion means the removal of a student from school and the cessation of educational services for the

remainder of the school year or the remainder of summer school, after which point the student may petition

for readmission as provided below. Unless the board or its authorized hearing officer makes a specific

exception, expulsion shall also prohibit a student from coming onto school property, entering school buses,

or attending any school event except for prearranged conferences with an administrator.

Any student determined to have brought a firearm to school shall be expelled for a period of not less than

one year, except that for disabled students and elementary school students, the superintendent may modify

this requirement on a case-by-case basis. The board may permanently expel any incorrigible student. The

board will only consider the permanent expulsion of those students so recommended by its hearing officer.

Criminal Prosecution

Any student committing a breach of the Disciplinary Code that may also constitute a crime will, in addition to

District disciplinary action, also be referred to appropriate law enforcement officials for possible criminal

prosecution. No plea bargain or other type of agreement arising from such a referral, regardless of the assent of

any District employee, will be binding on the Board.

Non-Students on School Grounds

The building principal is authorized to take appropriate action against unassigned or unauthorized students as

well as non-students who come into the buildings or onto the school grounds or other school property without

permission. Students who are suspended or expelled shall not be allowed to come onto school grounds or school

buses, to interfere with students or district staff, or to disturb school in any way. ANY PERSON COMING ON

SCHOOL GROUNDS IS SUBJECT TO BEING SEARCHED.

Non-aggravated Assault

State law requires that student handbooks contain this notice.

Any student who commits a non-aggravated assault and battery on school grounds or at a school-sponsored

event against any person affiliated with the school in an official capacity is guilty of the misdemeanor of assault

and battery against school personnel and may be fined not more than $1000.00, imprisoned for not more than

one year, or both.

Judicial, law enforcement, or corrections officials must notify the principal of any conviction of this crime, of the

crime of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature against a school official, and of other “violent

crimes.” Information concerning convictions of these crimes will be included in the student’s permanent record.

The student’s teachers will be notified annually of conviction of these crimes. Any school official who reports a

school-related crime in good faith is immune from criminal and civil liability arising from the report.

Early Dismissals

Early dismissals before the end of the regular school day are discouraged. Whenever possible, a student

should try to arrange appointments around school hours. All early dismissals will be classified as excused or

unexcused by the Attendance Clerk. Unexcused early dismissals will count against a student’s attendance

record.

The following will be classified as excused dismissals:

1. Medical appointments (must bring a doctor's statement).

2. Illness of student or immediate family.

3. Death in the immediate family.

4. Prearranged absence by parent and administrator.

Early Dismissal Procedure:

1. A written request must be provided stating the reason for dismissal, time of dismissal, a telephone number

where the parent can be contacted before 10 a.m., and signed by the parent or guardian. Forgery of a

written request for early dismissal will result in disciplinary action.

2. This note must be brought to the front office before 8:45 A.M. on the day of early dismissal. The

office staff will contact the parent to verify the dismissal. IF NO VERIFICATION CAN BE MADE, THE

STUDENT WILL NOT BE RELEASED.

3. Students must sign out in the front office when leaving or the absence will be classified as a cut.

4. Parents who do not send a note in advance must come into the school building and sign the

student out. No early dismissals will be approved over the phone. Students are not released to

anyone whose name is not in POWERSCHOOL and who does not have proper identification.

Seniors Early Out/Late In

Seniors with permanent early dismissals are expected to leave campus within 5 minutes from the

ending of their last class. Seniors are expected to exit through the front office doors. Students with

late arrivals must stay in the cafeteria until the beginning of their class. Seniors requesting early out

or late in scheduling must be College and Career Ready, completing the required completer pathway.

Students found loitering in the building will face disciplinary action or enrollment in a class course.

Early Dismissals Due to Illness

Any student who becomes ill at school must secure a pass from the teacher and report to the Health Room. If a

student is too ill to return to class, the nurse will contact the parents and dismiss the student. Students are to

come to the Health Room from a class and have a signed and timed pass from the teacher. Students are not to

come to the Health Room between classes. Students who are ill are not to use a school phone or a cell

phone to call a parent about dismissal for sickness; the nurse will call the parents. Dismissals from the

Health Room are considered lawful absences.

No early dismissals granted after 3:00 P.M. or during exams.

Hall Passes

Students are not permitted in the halls during class periods unless they have a pass from the

teacher. The student’s name, date, time, destination, and teacher signature must be present and legible. The

pass gives the student permission to go straight to the destination without stopping at points along the

way. Repeat offenders will be placed on the “no hall pass” list. Teachers are not allowed to issue hall passes

for the first 15 minutes of class or the last 15 minutes of class.

Restricted Areas

Any student in an off-limits area without written permission will be referred to the administration. Restricted areas

include:

1. All parking lots to include bus, student and teacher (Students in the parking lot without administrative

approval will receive discipline actions.)

2. All classroom wings/halls during lunch periods or gym areas for a class unless scheduled (Food may be

consumed only in the cafeteria.)

3. The area behind the counter in the main office, guidance office, as well as all administrative offices and halls.

4. All areas outside of the school during school hours.

5. All stairwell fire exits.

6. The second-floor rail (students are to move directly to class and not loiter at the rail.)

7. Restrooms are restricted (except for the Cafeteria) before 8:30 A.M.

8. Faculty workrooms are off limits at all times.

9. The bus loading area is limited to bus riders only.

Health Room

The purpose of the Health Room is to provide short-term care in the event a student becomes ill/injured while at

school. It is not intended to replace a physician’s office. Every effort is made to keep a student at school if at all

possible. If it is determined that a student is too ill to stay in school, arrangements will be made to pick him/her

up as soon as possible.

Health Room Guidelines

If a student needs to visit the health room, please review the following procedure:

1. If a student needs to visit the health room, the student’s teacher must contact the Health Room first to

see if the school nurse is available.

2. After confirmation of school nurse’s availability, send the student to the Health Room with a pass and all

of their belongings in case they are unable to return.

Student Emergency Forms

Student emergency forms can help the school nurse to expedite the process of parent contacts and providing

medical assistance. At the beginning of the school year, we will need students to perform the following tasks:

1. Complete form, date, sign, and return the student health form immediately. These forms are available for

downloading/printing on the school website.

2. Update (by sending a note or calling the school office) when changes occur.

3. Indicate who your emergency people listed are (friend, grandparent, etc.).

4. It is important to tell your child who has been listed on the emergency form to pick him/her up in your absence.

Medications

1. All prescription drugs must be given to the school nurse or office staff to be administered to the student.

Permission forms will need to be signed.

2. If your child must take medication at school, please obtain a Parent or Physician’s Authorization Form.

These forms must be submitted prior to cataloging the drugs. In order to catalog all prescription

drugs, a doctor’s note must accompany the request and the drugs when submitted to the

nurse. Forms are available in the Health Room and on the school website.

* Long-Term Medicines (to be given at school for 2 weeks or longer) must have a Parent’s Authorization Form

completed and signed by the parent or legal guardian. A Physician’s Authorization Form must be completed

and signed by the doctor who has prescribed this medicine for your child.

* Short-Term Medicines (to be given at school with less than a two-week duration) must have a Parent’s

Authorization Form completely filled out and signed by the parent/guardian or a written note provided with the

medicine stating: the name of the medicine, the amount to be taken, and the time to be given. Also include the

student’s name. NO MEDICATION WILL BE GIVEN WITHOUT THIS WRITTEN PERMISSION!

3. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO GIVE THEMSELVES ANY MEDICINE AT SCHOOL. ALL medicines must

be given through the Health Room. This policy is for the safety of the students.

• Inhalers or epi-pens may be kept by students if written permission has been provided by a parent

and the physician indicating that it is necessary for the students to have the medication with them

at all times.

• An additional inhaler/epi-pen should be kept in the Health Room.

• Due to School District policy, medications containing aspirin (Pepto-Bismol, many

menstrual cramp medications) and medications containing PPA (Dimetapp, Contac,

Triaminic, etc.) will not be given.

4. All medications must be in the original container with a label. This includes prescription and over-the-

counter drugs as well. Medications that cannot be identified by the container will not be given

and will be discarded immediately.

5. The school will not administer medication that is reportedly missed at home. We will only administer

those doses that are scheduled during school hours. A parent may bring a missed dose of medication

to school and may administer it to the student.

6. If your child experiences frequent headaches, upset stomach, or menstrual pain, you may provide the

Health Room with the appropriate over-the-counter medications so that your child can remain in class.

7. Medications that are past their expiration date will not be given.

Guidelines for School Medication Administration

When a student is required to take medication during the school day, the following guidelines will be followed:

1. Written permission from the parent/legal guardian for each medication in addition to doctor’s verification will

be required and maintained in the Health Room.

2. The medication will be stored in a locked container and administered by the school nurse or staff designated

by the principal who will record this information on the student’s medication record. A list of staff designated by

the principal to assist with medications in the absence of the nurse will be posted in the health room.

Schedules should be arranged so that the school nurse administers all medications if possible. The nurse will

verify medication and signature of the parent if the parent does not come in.

3. Any errors or incidents involving medication will be reported on form Med-4 with copies provided to the

principal and nurse supervisor.

When a student leaves the school for a field trip, his/her medication will be secured in a container labeled with

the student’s name, date, medication, dosage, strength and time for administration. The school nurse shall

provide the staff accompanying students on the trips with the information needed regarding the medication, its

purpose, and side effects that may occur. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school nurse when a

field trip occurs.

Emergency Medication

Students who are known reactors and require emergency treatment for an allergic response should have

medication, written parental permission and physician’s instructions for administering the medication. If the

student has emergency medication in the Health Room, this medication does not follow him/her to the career

centers. When this occurs, the student will need permission to carry the medication with him/her. It is

required that an Emergency Health Care Plan be completed on these students. These forms can be

obtained from the Heath Room or from the SHS website.

Note: Injured students requiring use of the elevator must bring medical documentation to their administrator.

ID Badge Policy

If a student does not have a regular ID, you will not be allowed to attend extracurricular activities such

as pep rallies, buy-outs, etc. For safety and identification, all faculty, staff and students must wear

school-issued picture ID badges and school issued lanyards around the neck.

A. Each student will be issued an ID badge and a lanyard at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.

These badges are loaned to the students. Students must display their Southside ID badge around

the neck at all times and be visible while on campus (unless involved in an extracurricular activity

that requires a particular dress). Old ID badges from previous years will not be acceptable.

B. In order to attend class, students must wear an ID badge. Those students who arrive at school without

an ID badge will report to ISS.

C. Students are not to cover their ID with stickers of any kind.

D. Any student who uses another student’s ID will be sent to ISS.

E. Students can purchase a temporary ID for .50 up to 3 times. Students must purchase an ID after this

time.

F. Students must pay $5.00 to replace lost or defaced/damaged ID badges. An additional ID may be

purchased to serve as a “back-up” in case the student forgets/misplaces his/her ID.

G. A student must surrender their ID badge if a faculty or staff member makes a request for the ID.

H. Students who have an ID, but are not wearing it around the neck, will be provided consequences

as determined by the administrative team.

Late Work Policy

To better serve our students’ educational needs and provide consistency across the school, Southside High

School will adhere to the following late work policy. Late work is defined as:

• Student attended class and failed to submit a required assignment

• Student has an unexcused absence as coded in PowerSchool

Additionally,

• Teachers define/classify assignments as “Major” & “Minor”

• Per teacher’s discretion, and due to the nature of some assignments, the assignment may not be

eligible for make-up (i.e. discussions, labs, etc.) these assignments may be exempted OR replaced

with an alternative assignment.

• Special consideration will be given for quarter/9 week classes (Gov’t/Econ, LawEd, History of

Minorities, Psychology, and Sociology).

• Assignments will be counted as late if they are submitted after 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on the due date.

Majors -

Assignments in this

category as defined by

teacher (does not include

tests)

Minors -

Assignments in this

category as defined by

teacher (does not include

tests)

Tests-

Missed through excused OR

unexcused absences

Honors/CP

Courses

(Courses do

not earn

college

credit)

Late work in the major

category will be accepted

within 5 school days of the

due date, and the grade

will be deducted by 10

points per day. After the 5

school days have passed,

the grade becomes a

zero.

Late work in the minor

category will be accepted

until the major/summative

assessment at the end of

the unit, and are subject

to a penalty of 10% (flat

percentage TBD)

Tests can be made up for full credit

if made up within five days of return

to school. Students must arrange a

make-up test with the teacher. After

the 5 school days have passed,

make up tests should still be

available within the quarter, but are

subject to a penalty of 10% (flat

percentage TBD)

IB / AP

Courses

(Courses

eligible for

college

credit)

Late work in the major

category will be accepted

within 3 school days of the

due date, and the grade

will be deducted by 15

points per day. After the 3

school days have passed,

the grade becomes a

zero.

Late work in the minor

category will be accepted

until the major/summative

assessment at the end of

the unit, and are subject

to a penalty of 15% (flat

percentage TBD- greater

deduction than

CP/Honors)

Dual Credit

Courses

(Courses

eligible for

college credit)

Follows the late work policy from Greenville Technical College.

Makeup Work (per GCSD Board Policy)

• Students have an excused absence as coded in PowerSchool (i.e. medically documented illness or

appointment, bereavement, or court date).

• Students have five (5) school days from the date of their return to complete assignments for full credit.

Meal Program

Breakfast: No Charge for Students

Lunch: No charge for Students

Extra snacks, milk, drink are not free

Breakfast/Lunch Procedures

Students are reminded that we have a closed–campus policy and students are not allowed to leave campus for

lunch. Any outside lunch items delivered by the parents will be consumed in the school office area. During

breakfast and lunch, students are expected to remain in the lunchroom area. Students may eat only in the

lunchroom. NO FOOD, DRINKS, OR ICE CUPS MAY BE TAKEN INTO THE HALLWAY OR INTO

CLASSROOMS. Students are expected to be considerate of fellow students waiting in line for their lunches. Line

breaking or saving places in line is not allowed. Always be courteous and place your trash in the proper place.

Media Center

The Media Center is open from 8:00 A.M. to 4:15 P.M. and provides a large collection of print and non-print

materials for use in doing research for your classes as well as for your enjoyment. Passes are required at all

times. For students’ convenience there is a photocopier in the Media Center. Students may make Black and

White copies for 15 cents each. A Color printer is available with copies costing 50 cents a page.

Upon arrival in the Media Center, file the pass and sign the attendance register. Students may not leave the

Media Center without permission after having signed in. Students will not be allowed to go to the bathroom, water

fountain, telephone, or to the nurse except in an emergency. Bring all necessary materials and be prepared to

work.

Food and drinks are not allowed in the Media Center. Students who talk excessively or disturb others will be sent

back to class. Usage privileges may be suspended or other disciplinary actions may be taken for misbehavior or

failure to follow Media Center rules.

Chromebooks

Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook issued to them by the District. Students

will receive a Chromebook and charger that is checked out to individual students in the media center.

(Bar codes are scanned into their account similar to a textbook.) We encourage students to charge their

Chromebooks at home to prevent the theft of their charger. The replacement cost of a Chromebook

charger is $30.

Chromebooks that are broken or fail to work properly must be turned into the library to the library clerk. If

it is during class time, students must have a pass from the teacher. Failure to report damages or lost

Chromebooks by the next school day could result in owing the total cost of the Chromebook.

Procedure for Accidental Damage:

➔ 1st Offense of Accidental Damage: Parent Contact, Warning, Repair at no cost.

➔ 2nd Offense of Accidental Damage: Parent Conference, Warning, Repair for damages.

Note: SHS reserves the right to revoke use of Chromebook for students at any time. Students who

deliberately damage a Chromebook (or have their Chromebook deliberately damaged by a family

member or peer) will not fall under the accidental damage procedure listed above.

Procedure for Deliberate Damage:

● 1st Offense of Deliberate Damage: Disciplinary Referral, Parent Conference, Pay

Additional Technology Fee to repair or replace

● 2nd Offense of Deliberate Damage: Disciplinary Referral, Parent Conference,

Repair/Replace Device, Revoke Student Chromebook Rights.

Lost/Stolen Chromebooks

➔ Please note that students who leave Chromebooks unattended are being negligent. It is the

student’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the device at all times, much as they would

with their wallet/purse or other valuable items.

Students who are unable to locate their missing Chromebooks are required to complete a

missing Chromebook form which includes checking with each of the student’s teachers,

obtaining teachers’ signatures, and a parent or guardian signature verifying steps have been

taken to locate or retrieve the device.

Once the missing Chromebook form is completed and submitted, students will need to have a

parent conference with an Administrator. Students are encouraged to file a police report with the

Southside High School SRO in an attempt to recover the Chromebook. Students whose

Chromebook is not recovered will need to pay a replacement fee before a new chromebook is

issued.

Students will not be provided with a replacement until the conference is completed and fees are

paid.

Chromebook Offenses and Consequences

Examples of Level I Offenses

· Sharing passwords

· Plagiarism

· Defacing computers (e.g., stickers, markers,

destruction of serial number) · Removing district

labels or tags

· Failure to charge battery daily

· Clearing web browser history

· Creating, accessing, downloading, or distributing

non-educational materials (e.g., games, music)

without permission and/or during class time ·

Accessing chat rooms, bulletin boards, or non-

educational blogs without teacher/administration

permission

· Failure to follow teacher directives

· Failure to be polite and courteous digital citizens

· Repeated failure to bring device to class

· Horseplay with the device (e.g., running, throwing,

mishandling, etc.)

Examples of Level II Offenses

· Accessing, downloading, posting, or

distributing materials that:

Are harmful or prejudicial to others (e.g.,

defamatory, libelous)

o Are pornographic, obscene,

sexually explicit, or profane (including photos

and music)

o Are illegal (e.g., copyrighted materials)

o Refer to weapons, alcohol, drugs, guns,

or gangs

o Constitute gambling

o Are restricted

· Engaging in online activity that threatens,

intimidates, bullies, harasses, discriminates,

or defames

· Intentionally destroying hardware or

software (including attempting to

disassemble any part of the device)

· Engaging in theft

· Engaging in any illegal activity

· Harming or destroying another user’s data

· Creating or sharing a computer virus

· Disrupting the network or the educational

process

· Hacking of any kind

Consequences

Violations of these policies may result in one of the following, but are not limited to, these

disciplinary actions:

· Student/parent conference or call (1st)

· Restitution

· Removal of unauthorized files and folders

· Restriction of Internet privileges*

· Restriction of district-issued Chromebook use

privileges**

· Suspension

· Student/parent conference/call (1st)

· Restitution

· Removal of unauthorized files and folders

· Restriction of Internet privileges*

· Restriction of district-issued Chromebook use

privileges**

· Suspension

· ISS/OSS

· Persistent violations will result in the loss of the

Chromebook for the school year

· Court referral/criminal charges

· Alternative school placement/ISS

· Expulsion

Three Level I offenses may result in restriction of Internet privileges and/or restriction of device

privileges or loss of the Chromebook.

Personal Electronic Devices

A PED is any personal electronic device. This can include, but is not limited to laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Southside High School’s Personal Electronic Device Policy

To use your personal electronic device (PED*) during the school day, you agree to abide by the following

requirements. A violation of this agreement may result in suspension of this privilege and/or disciplinary action.

The school day begins when you enter the building and ends when you leave the building.

1. During Instructional Time: You may use your PED for educational purposes during class time with the express

permission of the classroom teacher. You understand that the teacher may ask to inspect your work on the

device at any time.

2. You may not use the camera feature of your PED to capture, record, or transmit audio, video, or still photos of

other students, faculty or staff without explicit permission given by the teacher and subject of the photo or

video.

3. You will be given access to the School District’s online resources via the school’s wireless network. The PED

will not be connected to any printer, directly or indirectly.

4. The Greenville County School District will NOT service, repair or maintain PEDs at any time.

5. You acknowledge that you know, understand, and agree to abide by GCSD’s Acceptable Use Policy while

connected to the school’s network.

6. All PED’s are brought to school at the owner’s risk. The GCSD or Southside High School is not responsible for

theft or damage to the PED. All thefts should be reported to law enforcement.

7. Students are allowed to charge their devices at designated charging stations either before school or during

lunch.

8. Air pods, earbuds and headphones can only be worn in one ear while traveling in the hallway. This

allows the student to hear announcements, warnings, and other messages adults must share with

them.

Personal Electronic Device Consequences

Offense

Teacher Procedure

Consequence

1st offense

Teacher warning with parent contact

Not applicable

2nd offense

Discipline referral with parent contact

ISS/ 2 blocks

3rd and subsequent offenses

Discipline referral with parent contact

1-day OSS

For every offense, the student will be expected to put their Personal Electronic Device away.

Note #1: If a student is caught using a device at an inappropriate time and the teacher gives a consequence

based on the above matrix, and the students put the phone away as directed, but then gets the phone out later

in the class and is caught using it again:

The teacher will treat the infraction as a 2nd offense and write a discipline referral to their administrator.

Note #2: If a student is caught using a device at an inappropriate time and the teacher gives a consequence

based on the above matrix and the student refuses to put the phone away and continues to use it directly in front

of the teacher: Student will be removed from the class, a referral for refusal to obey will be written with the

consequences up to suspension from school.

School Closing

In the case of inclement weather or other emergencies, students/parents are asked not to call the school but to

tune in to local radio or television stations for an official announcement from the District Office.

Student Activities

Student participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege (not a right) that a student earns through proper

conduct and academic achievement. A student may be denied the privilege of participating in an extracurricular

activity and/or an event when the student’s conduct is not consistent with District Policy; the District’s Behavior

Code and/or academic standards; the conduct expectations and/or academic standards of Southside High

School; and/or the conduct expectations and/or academic standards of the particular activity. Extracurricular

activities include, but are not limited to, athletic teams, academic clubs/teams, prom, graduation exercises,

student council, and attendance at any school function outside of the normal school day. Students are not

eligible to participate in any extracurricular events unless they are present for at least 2 periods (1/2 of

the school day) on that day. Suspended students are ineligible for participation in or attendance at any

school activity during their suspension.

Athletics

The athletic program is a vital part of our school. It provides physical and mental training for participants, and

recreational and social outlets for students, parents, and visitors. The program is supported entirely by gate

receipts, making it important for everyone to assist in making our athletic contests desirable events to attend for

both students and visitors.

Students interested in going out for athletic teams should check with coaches about six weeks before a particular

sports season in order to begin practice on time and to establish eligibility. In general, a student must have a

physical, a birth certificate, meet eligibility requirements, have insurance, and must not play on any team except

the school team during the season of the sport for which he/she has been certified. Auditing a class does not

establish eligibility. Students cannot quit one sport to join another sport before the season ends for the first

sport. Also, if students are dismissed from one sport for disciplinary reasons, they may not join another sport

before the season ends for the first sport. A complete list of requirements for eligibility is available from the

Athletic Director.

The following sports may be provided (if funded):

• Cross Country (Boys & Girls) …...... middle & high school

• Golf (Boys & Girls) ........................................9, 10, 11, 12

• Soccer (Boys & Girls) …………….....middle & high school

• Swimming…………………………..…….... …...9,10,11,12

• JV Cheerleading…………...……….…………...9,10,11,12

• Varsity Cheerleading........................middle & high school

• JV Football…………………...…...…..……… 9, 10, 11, 12

• Varsity Football……………………...…...….8, 9, 10,11,12

• JV Basketball (Boys & Girls) ……...middle & high school

• Varsity Basketball (Boys & Girls) ………...8, 9, 10, 11, 12

• Varsity Baseball……………………...….…….9, 10, 11, 12

• Varsity Tennis (Boys & Girls) ……...middle & high school

• Varsity Track (Boys & Girls) …….....middle & high school

• Volleyball (Girls)……………...………middle & high school

• Varsity Softball (Girls)………….……middle & high school

Band

The Southside High School band program consists of the marching band, concert band, and color guard. All

students are required to audition for placement in each ensemble. In addition, each student is expected to

provide his or her own instrument. All band members are required to be enrolled in a band class that meets

during the school day in addition to attending required after-school rehearsals. Band is a co-curricular activity

which means after school rehearsals and performances, which meet outside of the normal school day, are an

extension of the classroom. Membership in the band program is comprehensive. Students are required to

participate in both marching and concert band. All questions should be directed to Mr. Bruce (864) 355-8780.

Chorus

Southside High School Choral students are required to purchase a chorus uniform. Please see Chorus instructor.

Girls: White blouse, black skirt or pants, black hose and shoes.

Guys: White collared shirt, black pants, black shoes and socks.

All choral members are required to be enrolled in a choral class that meets during the school day in addition to

attending required after-school rehearsals and performances. These rehearsals and performances are an

extension of the classroom.

Clubs and Organizations

The following clubs and organizations may be available for students who wish to become involved and who meet

the non-athletic eligibility requirements when necessary:

Academic Team, Band, Bowling Club, Drama Club, Foreign Language Honor Societies, Gardening Club, IB

Mentoring Club, Interact, Kitty Hawk Honor Society, JROTC Explorers, Model Rocketry/Airplane Club, Mu Alpha

Theta (Math), National Art Honor Society, BETA Club, National Forensics League (NFL), National Honor Society

(NHS), Poetry Club, STEAM TEAM, Spirit Club, STEP Team, Youth in Government, and Tiger Ambassadors.

Others may be offered with teacher sponsorship. Please check the SHS website for more information.

Field Trips

Student Access to Field Trips: Students will be denied participation in field trips for the following

reasons:

1. Academics: If a student is failing a class, he/she is not eligible to attend the field trip.

2. Behavior: (a) If assigned OSS on the date of the field trip, (b) if the person heading the field trip, with approval

of the principal, determines eligibility should be denied based on a pattern of misconduct, and (c) if the student

fails to turn in all required documentation by the deadlines.

3. Attendance: Students who have more than five (5) unverified absences in a semester class are not

eligible to participate in a field trip. Students who have more than ten (10) unverified absences in a

yearlong class are not eligible to participate in a field trip.

4. Students unable to attend a field trip will be given an alternative assignment to replace the field trip grade.

5. Students who are driving to an off-campus school sponsored event must have a parent permission form on

file prior to the event.

Competitions are considered field trips so only students competing should attend. Students are encouraged to

maintain their academic performance in classes. A limited number of courses have district and state mandated

field trips as part of the defined curriculum. These must be submitted to the appropriate administrator in writing

at the beginning of the school year for verification. If approved, they will not be included in the semester class

absences count. This also applies to programs such as college fairs, the sophomore trip to Donaldson, etc.

Fraternities, Sororities and Secret Organizations

Fraternities, sororities and secret organizations and their activities are strictly forbidden in high school. Any attire

associated with such groups is forbidden when it causes a disruption to the school.

National Honor Society

1. National Honor Society (NHS) is an honorary organization dedicated to the achievement of the highest

levels of scholarship, service, character, and leadership.

2. Members are chosen on the basis of scholarship, service, character, and leadership. Procedures for

choosing NHS member:

a. During the summer of each year, the advisor will examine the permanent record cards of all juniors

to determine eligibility. Those juniors with a 3.5 GPA or better (not rounded off) in academic subjects

only will be considered. (Academic subjects include English, math, science, social studies, and

foreign language. No electives such as journalism, art, music, business, or home economics will be

counted.) Students must be enrolled in regular, advanced, or honors level classes.

b. The student’s disciplinary record will be reviewed for approval. A student must have had no

suspensions (in or out of school) or documented disciplinary problems that would reflect on his/her

character (e.g. cheating or theft).

c. Those eligible students will then be invited to fill out an application giving their leadership and

service background, which will be evaluated by the advisor according to a point system.

d. The list of eligible students will be submitted to a faculty council for approval. The five-member

faculty council is appointed by the principal and may not include an administrator or advisor. (The

advisor is a nonvoting member.) A student who receives four votes will be invited to join See the

webpage and/or sponsor for details.

Prom

The date and time of the Southside High School Prom for 2023 is TBA. Formal or semi-formal attire is

required. Juniors and seniors may purchase a ticket for themselves and a ticket for one guest. Any person who

attends the prom must have a ticket. There will be no refunds if a person later decides not to attend. The

tickets to the prom will be distributed upon purchase. Announcements will be made about the deadline for

purchasing tickets. After the deadline passes, no ticket will be sold. Tickets must be presented at the door in

order to enter the prom. The ticket is valid for the prom only. Junior class officers will assist the sponsor(s) in

making decisions about the prom. Junior and Senior students will vote on the theme and the colors for prom. No

student with outstanding debt will be allowed to purchase tickets or attend the prom. No Bar access is

allowed.

Student Parking

Any student driving to Southside High School (SHS) must have a current SHS parking decal. Parking decals

cost $20 and will be sold during early registration/orientation and throughout the school year. The cost for the

decal will be prorated so that if a student purchases one after the end of the first quarter the cost will be $15,

after the end of the second quarter $10, or after the end of the third quarter $5. In order to purchase a parking

decal, the student must present his/her driver’s license and proof of insurance for the vehicle that will be driven

to SHS.

Parking decals are to be placed on the inside of the windshield in the left corner near the driver’s side windshield

wiper. After the parking decal has been issued, the student has permission to park in the area lot designated for

students. Any deviation from this assigned area will result in disciplinary action, and/or a fine, and/or the

possibility of the vehicle being towed. In addition, the student may lose driving privileges. Also, any student

driving to school without a valid parking decal will be subject to disciplinary action, the possibility of the vehicle

being towed, a fine, and/or the loss of driving privileges altogether.

Special Considerations:

1. If a student has a SHS parking decal on a vehicle and that vehicle goes out of service (sold, traded, wrecked,

etc.), then the student can purchase a replacement decal for another vehicle for $5.00. The student must

show proof of insurance for the second vehicle.

2. If a vehicle with a decal is out of service temporarily (repairs, being used by another family member, etc.),

then a temporary parking pass will be issued at no charge until the vehicle with the decal comes back into

service. However, if the situation extends past one week, the student must purchase a new parking decal for

the other vehicle for $5.00.

3. If early dismissal students aid other students to skip school for any reason, the student will jeopardize their

parking privileges.

4. On the sixth (6th) tardy to class, students will lose their parking privilege for the remainder of the semester.

Additionally, no one is permitted to drive into the student parking lot to pick up or let out a student. Students are

not to park in designated faculty/staff parking or behind the school. No vehicles are to enter the bus driveway

from Jacobs Road. Athletes may not park in the bus loading area until after 5:00 pm.

Consequences for parking and driving violations are as follows.

• Level 1 - Warning sticker/disciplinary consequence if warranted

• Level 2 - Fine ($10.00)/disciplinary consequence if warranted

• Level 3 - Parking privileges revoked for remainder of semester

• Level 4 - Parking privileges revoked for remainder of year

NOTE: The administration reserves the right to remain at a given level for more than one offense if extenuating

circumstances exist. The administration also reserves the right to progress to a level higher than Level 1 for the

first situation if that situation is severe.

It is the student’s responsibility to arrive at school on time. Students are expected to leave their cars as soon as

they arrive on campus. No student is to remain in his/her vehicle or to stand around vehicles after arriving at

school. Students are not to loiter in the parking lot after dismissal as well. STUDENTS ARE NOT TO RETURN

TO THEIR VEHICLES DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. Going into the student parking lot during the school day

without administrative approval will result in a disciplinary consequence. SHS is not responsible for theft or

vandalism. No money, valuables, etc., should be left visible.

Tardiness

Tardiness to school:

Students are expected to report to their first period class by 8:45 A.M. Students must be in their classrooms

when the tardy bell rings. Any student reporting after 8:45 A.M. must report to the attendance office. All

tardiness will be classified as unexcused except for:

1. Doctor or dentist appointment (Parent notes will not be accepted, only medical notes.)

2. Administrative approval

3. Arriving on a late school bus (Those arriving late will receive a color-coded bus pass.)

4. Any student arriving at school after 9:10 a.m. will be considered absent from their first period.

All others will receive an unexcused tardy slip. Tardiness to school infractions will be recorded, and

repeat offenders will be subject to the school’s disciplinary guidelines.

Tardiness to class:

Students are expected to be in the classroom before the tardy bell rings for class. Repeat offenders will

be subject to the school’s disciplinary guidelines.

Consequences per Semester

– 2

Offense

……………. Parent

Contact

Offense……....................Referral to Administrator, Warning, Parent Contact

Offense…………………. ½ day ISS (2 blocks)

Offense……………….….1 day ISS

Offense……………….….OSS

Textbooks

Each student is charged with the responsibility for their books. If a book is lost, stolen, or damaged, the student

is held responsible and must pay for the book before another one can be issued. Payment for the lost books

should be made to the AP in charge of textbooks.

Alma Mater:

Hail, Alma Mater,

Southside High School, Hail!

Long may you reign victorious,

Long your Honor shine.

Refrain

Hail, Alma Mater,

Laurels carried high;

Southside High School we praise thee

With heart and hand and voice!

As we tread our pathway

Striving for our goal,

Let God’s guiding hand be

Ever ours to hold.

Loyal to our colors,

Loyal to our creed,

Loyal to our dear Southside,

Ever will we be.

Responsibility and Disclaimer

Student Responsibility for Handbook

Students are responsible for reading this handbook and knowing its contents. All students at Southside High

School are instructed to share this handbook with their parents/guardians. Any parent wishing to obtain a copy

of the handbook can access it on the school’s website. All students will have access to the handbook.

Disclaimer

Neither this handbook nor any part of it should be construed as a contract itself. This handbook is not intended

to be comprehensive. It is to serve as a guide for the students, parents, and faculty of Southside High

School. The school reserves the right to make changes or exceptions to the statements in this

handbook. Final interpretation of all school rules and regulations is left to the principal of the school. Discipline

policies included in this publication are based on information at the time of printing.